Published 5:46 pm, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Authorities have scaled back the search for an inmate who escaped from the Montgomery County Jail over the weekend.

Britt Chadvurn Privatte, 40, was noticed missing from the jail about 1 p.m. Sunday, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

"Though the physical search in the Conroe area has been scaled back, detectives and deputies, along with (Montgomery County) Pct. 2 Constable's Office, Conroe Police Department and DPS remain vigilant," sheriff's officials stated in a press release. "Though it is not certain that the escapee remains in the area, residents, business owners and motorists in the southern part of Conroe should continue to immediately report suspicious persons and/or activity to local authorities."

Privatte had been in the jail after he was arrested with two other people in January in connection with a bank robbery in the Kingwood area. He was also being held on charges from Houston as well as Walker, Fort Bend and Harris counties largely in connection with burglaries and aggravated robberies. His bail totaled $172,000.

Investigators believe Privatte escaped when he climbed a wall inside the jail's recreation yard and broke through the upper fencing to the roof.

On Tuesday, several residents reported a suspicious male walking along railroad tracks in the Conroe area. Authorities combed the area but did not locate Privatte, who is believed to be wearing blue jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, and may be barefoot.

He reportedly was seen Sunday in a wooded area near the jail, and a search was conducted near Loop 336 and Interstate 45.

Investigators said Privatte should be considered dangerous.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-760-5800 and choose option 3.